The utility industry has seen an explosive growth in Smart Grid investments and in DSM programs [EE, conservation and DR]. The tools needed to fully benefit from these investments have not kept pace resulting in wasted time, lack of clear visibility into program performance, inconsistent analyses and misreporting of program results.  Recently, I presented a paper at the 30th Utility Energy Forum discussing a complete strategy that combines program data collection and tracking, performance reporting, M&V automation, and the feedback of the M&V results into the program planning for next year.

This is particularly critical as the programs get more complex, larger in size and attract additional reporting/tracking requirements from the regulatory bodies. When the programs are smaller in budget and claimed energy savings are not that significant, these programs tend to fly under the radar of management, Commisssion staff and other stakeholders. But as they get larger, then their impact on utility's bottom line and their contributions to energy and demand savings become noticeable - that in turn attract higher levels of scrutiny both within the utility and by the external stakeholders. That is why it's critical that utility program staff and management carefully take into account the reporting, tracking and program performance analytics at the earliest stages of the program planning. The paper addresses these considerations and a concise 1-pager with key highlights can be downloaded here:

VTI_DataStore Poster PresentationUtility Forum_100506.pdf (285.80 kb)

Let me know what you think - are there other factors one needs to consider? What has been your experience in your utility? We welcome both success stories and projects from hell!

NV Energy has announced that it has secured formal, regulatory approval of its Advanced Service Delivery (ASD) project. On July 28, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) unanimously approved NV Energy’s ASD project. Advanced Service Delivery is NV Energy's smart grid/smart meter project, and will enable customers to directly manage their energy use and allow for better management of energy resources statewide. NV Energy received $138 million in Smart Grid Investment Grant stimulus funding from the Department of Energy specifically for the implementation of the $301 million ASD project. For additional information, visit NV Energy's site at www.NVEnergy.com.